The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science invites everyone who spends time on or near the Chesapeake Bay to report dolphin sightings with a new online tracking system. Chesapeake DolphinWatch allows users to mark the location of their dolphin sightings on a map of the Chesapeake and its tributaries so scientists can better understand where the dolphins are and where they go.
Dr. Kenneth Rose’s research centers on using mathematical and computer simulation modeling to predict and better understand fish population and food web dynamics in estuaries, lakes, reservoirs, and oceans.
Scientists expect this year’s summer Chesapeake Bay hypoxic or “dead zone”—an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and aquatic life—will be larger than average, approximately 1.89 cubic miles. This is due to spring rainfall amounts in New York and Pennsylvania that led to an above average Susquehanna River nitrogen load (81.4 million pounds) to the Chesapeake Bay this spring.